Hardest Slowly I Turned... Trivia Quiz | Entertainment

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. "Slowly I Turn" involved two performers. As the two interacted, one of them muttered a "trigger" word which would upset the other to no end. In "Gents Without Cents" (1944), a short film starring The Three Stooges, what was the "trigger" word that had Moe and Larry beating up Curly?

Answer: Niagara Falls

The Three Stooges entertained audiences through film, radio and television for over five decades. Moe Howard (real name - Moses Harry Horwitz) worked as a Stooge from 1922-1927 and from 1928-1975. Larry Fine (Louis Feinburg) appeared as a Stooge from 1925-1927 and from 1928-1971. Curly Howard (Jerome Lester Horwitz) was a Stooge from 1932-1946.

Shemp Howard (Samuel Horwitz) played with the trio from 1922-1927, 1928-1932 and finally from 1946-1955. Joe Besser appeared from 1956-1958. Finally Curly Joe DeRita (Joseph Wardell) was a Stooge from 1958-1975.

The Three Stooges have left a lasting impression on all areas of entertainment today as many of their routines continue to be referenced and performed.

2. Abbott and Costello used this routine frequently in their performances. In "In Society" (1944), two "trigger" words were employed. One was "Bagel Street" and the other was ________ ?

Answer: Susquehanna Hat Company

William (Bud) Abbott and Lou Costello (Louis Francis Cristillo) were the most well known comedy team in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Their routine "Who's on First?" (first performed in the 1930s as a burlesque sketch) became their most famous comedy act.

They last performed this sketch on television in 1957. Lou Costello passed away in 1959 followed by Bud Abbott in 1974.

3. "Lost in a Harem" (1944) was another Abbott and Costello gem. The "trigger" word in this "Slowly I Turn" exchange might remind you of a recent trading card set. What was their "trigger" word?

Answer: Pokomoko

Abbott and Costello performed in burlesque, radio, films and television.

4. Even Lucille Ball used "Slowly I Turn" in her sitcom, "I Love Lucy" (1951-1960) in 1952. As always, Lucy was trying to get into Desi's nightclub act. What "trigger" name was spoken that would send Lucy into a rage?

Answer: Martha

"The Ballet" was first aired on February 18, 1952. Lucy first learned ballet, believing that as a ballerina she could participate in the show. But she then hurt her leg. Thinking that the show had been altered (from information received from good friend, Ethel), Lucy learned the "Slowly I Turn" routine from a professional comic. Of course, the ballet was performed along with Ricky singing a song entitled "Martha". Lucy, in burlesque garb, would throw a pie in the face of a ballerina every time she heard the trigger word "Martha".

A must see if you haven't seen it already. Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989.

5. In "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" (1982), a film starring Steve Martin, the old "Slowly I Turned" gag was pulled out again. What was the "trigger" word for this movie?

Answer: cleaning woman

Filmed in black and white, "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" (1982) not only parodied the film noir and pulp detective movies of the 1940s and 1950s but also paid homage to them.

Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin has worked in television and movies, wearing different hats including actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. Some of my favorite movies of his included "All of Me" (1984), "Father of the Bride Part I" (1991), Father of the Bride Part II" (1995) and "It's Complicated" (2009). Steve Martin also hosted the 2010 Academy Awards with Alec Baldwin.

6. In 1956, Milton Berle sang a song based around the "Slowly I Turn" bit. The "trigger" word here was an animal. But which one?

Answer: Buffalo!

Milton Berle (Milton Berlinger) was an Emmy-winning American comedian and actor during TV's golden age. In 1948 he became the first "super" star of American television. He was called Mr. Television or Uncle Miltie by millions of his fans. Milton Berle passed away on March 27, 2002.

7. "The Bigger They are the Louder They Oink" episode of "TaleSpin" (1990-91) used a favorite breakfast food for the "trigger". Which one?

Answer: bacon

"TailSpin" was an American animated TV series shown from 1990 to 1991 on the Disney Channel. Ideas for the characters in the show came from Disney's animated film "The Jungle Book" (1967). "The Bigger They Are, The Louder They Oink" episode first aired on October 8, 1990.

Baloo (the bush pilot who ran Baloo Air Service) was upset when Rebecca (owner of Baloo Air Service since Baloo got himself too far into debt) obtained a truffle-hunting pig instead of a new pontoon for the Sea Duck (name of Baloo's plane). Rebecca refused to believe that her idea may not be good. She managed to get herself and the pig captured by pygmies. Then it was up to Kit (Baloo's ward and navigator) and Baloo to save her.

8. "The Price Is Right" host, Drew Carey, would say "Slowly I Turn" whenever there was a contestant on the show from what California city?

Answer: Rancho Cucamonga

Drew Allison Carey began his career as a stand up comedian. His show, "The Drew Carey Show" (1995-2004) was ranked the fourteenth most popular show during its fourth season. "The Price is Right" originally aired from 1956 to 1965 with Bill Cullen as its host. In 1972, Bob Barker picked up the reins of the show. In 2007, the "torch was passed" to Drew Carey.

9. Several people throughout the years have taken credit for writing "Slowly I Turn". Of the following, which one is NOT one of those who stated that they wrote the gag?

Answer: Bob Hope

Even though Samuel Goldman and Harry Steppe maintained that they themselves were the original creators of "Slowly I Turn", most entertainment historians believe that Joey Faye deserved the credit. Joey Faye ((Joseph Palladino) appeared in numerous burlesque and vaudeville shows.

He usually played "the straight man" to such stars as Phil Silvers. Joey had his own television show "The Joey Faye Frolics" (1950).

10. Joey Faye has been acknowledged as being the person most likely to have written "Slowly I Turn". Although having moderate success in and out of show business for many years, Joey's last gig was in a very popular underwear commercial. What brand of underwear was he selling?

Answer: Fruit of the Loom

Joey Faye had a career in show business that spanned 65 years. Joey made several guest appearances on such popular television shows as "The Real McCoys"(1957-1962), "Perry Mason" (1957-1966) and "Maude" (1972-1978). He also appeared in 36 Broadway plays and several Hollywood movies. Joey died in 1997.

Source: Author Blindlady-27

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.
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Slowly I Turned... Trivia Quiz

This vintage vaudeville sketch has had many incarnations through the years. This quiz will highlight the various people who have used this nugget as part of their comedy act.

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